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The data below comes from testmagic forums and shows accepted, waitlisted, and rejected applicants for 2010 for economics graduate school. Clicking on points in the graph above will make the most recent profile appear in the space below the graph.


Acceptances:

rob59404 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: State University with unheard of econ department
Undergrad GPA: 3.99
Type of Grad: NA
Grad GPA:
GRE: 760 Q 640 V 5.5 AWA
Math Courses: Cal I-III(A,A,A), Linear Algebra(A),Probabilty/stat(A), ODE(A), Probability theory(A), math stats, intro analysis/proofs
Econ Courses: Intro micro/macro, intermediate micro/macro, development, adv. development, trade, history of thought, econometrics, graduate econometrics, graduate micro and macro. All A's
Other Courses:
Letters of Recommendation: thesis advisor, department chair, other econ professor
Research Experience: Senior thesis
Teaching Experience: Some math and econ tutoring
Research Interests: Growth, political economy, applied micro
SOP: Standard
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Missouri($$), kentucky($$), Oregon($$), Colorado(no $), UW(no $), Virginia, GMU, Notre Dame ($$$ Attending)
Waitlists:
Rejections: NYU, BC, UIUC, Rochester
Pending: OSU (implicit rejection at this point)
What would you have done differently?
1) More math earlier
2) Should have got a math professor to write letter of recommendation
3) Get an 800Q
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Missouri($$), kentucky($$), Oregon($$), Colorado(no $), UW(no $), Virginia, GMU, Notre Dame ($$$ Attending)
  • Institution: Oregon Decision: Accepted Funding: Decided in March Notification date: 2/2/10 Notified through: Online Status Posted on Gradcafe: no
  • Institution: Kentucky Economics Decision: accepted Funding: $$ Notification date: 11 February Notified through: phone call Posted on Gradcafe: no Comments:
  • Institution: University of Missouri Economics Decision: accepted Funding: no word Notification date: 11 February Notified through: email Posted on Gradcafe: no Comments:
  • Institution: Notre Dame Economics PhD Decision: Admitted Funding: 17K+tuition for 5 years Notification date: February 13th Notified through: Email from Director of Program Posted on Gradcafe: No Comments: Happy to have a funded offer.
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics PHD Decision: Accepted Funding: ??? Notificationn date: 02/17 Notified through: Website Posted on Gradcafe: No Comments: This was one of my reaches. I'm honored, hopefully aid is coming.
  • Institution: Colorado Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: "can't offer funding at the present time" Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: I need funding to consider it as an option
  • Institution: George Mason Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TBA Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Really want to go here, but I really really need funding
  • Institution: Notre Dame Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Fellowship: Tution + 25K and health insurance/5 years Notification date: 2/15/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: They increased their offer today and are paying for a flyout next week, but new program = big risk
  • Institution: University of Washington Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: The email asked if I was seriously considering the program and will not formally extend an offer until I say I am. Right now its unfunded.
Rejects:
    Rejections: NYU, BC, UIUC, Rochester
  • Institution: Rochester Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03-01-2010 Notified through: email Posted on GF: no Comments: Darn
  • Institution: Rochester Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03-01-2010 Notified through: email Posted on GF: no Comments: Darn
  • Institution: NYU Decision: Reject Funding: ... Notification date: 03/18/10 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Guillotine finally lowered
  • Institution: UIUC Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/25/10 Notified through: email Comments: darn
  • Institution: Boston College Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/25/10 Notified through: snail mail Comments: rough day
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:

EconDev137 2010:
Type of Undergrad: B.S. Quantitative Economics. & B.A. Political Science
Undergrad GPA: 3.36
GRE: 770Q 570V 4.5 AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III, (AP, AP, A) Linear Algebra (A), Real Analysis (D), Probability (B+)
Econ Courses: Intro Micro (C), Intro Macro (C), Elementary Econometrics (A), Econometrics (A), Advanced Econometrics (A), Intermediate Micro (A+), Intermediate Macro(A+), Economic Growth (A), Economic Development (B+), Environmental Economics (B+), International Monetary Policy (A)
Grad Courses: Advanced Micro (A), Advanced Macro (A-)
Letters of Recommendation: All very good, from top 10.
Research Experience: Work at a public policy think tank. Thesis in Political Science.
Research Interests: Applied micro, development
Statement of purpose: Way better than average
Other: LORs are the most vital part of your application. Do not overlook the importance of building quality relationships with a few profs. However don't use this as an excuse to be a kissa$$.
RESULTS:
PhD Accepts: Arizona (tuition waiver and assistantship for years 2-5), Purdue (nothing official, but presumed tuition plus 18k), Colorado-Boulder (waitlisted for $),
PhD Waitlists: Boston College (Decent Chance of admit, but won't know until after deadlines for other schools), OSU (acceptance not probable)
PhD Rejections: Duke, Maryland, Penn State, Vanderbilt and Indiana,
Masters Accepts: Michigan, Boston University, Tornoto
Masters Rejections: Tufts (really?)
Masters Pending: UBC
What would you have done differently? The most glaring thing would be not to have gotten a D in real analysis, I think I could have pulled vanderbilt without that. Other than that I think I had a pretty solid plan. Take the most useful classes you can, do as well as you can and spend your free time having fun. I think people on TM get too worked up about not having an 800Q or a 4.0 at the expense of living life.
Accepts:
    Accepts: Arizona (tuition waiver and assistantship for years 2-5), Purdue (nothing official, but presumed tuition plus 18k), Colorado-Boulder (waitlisted for $), PhD
  • Institution: Boston University Masters Decision: Accepted Funding: Not available for Masters Students Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Very happy. While my goal is still to go to a PhD program at least I have a backup plan now!! :D
  • Institution: Boston University Masters Decision: Accepted Funding: Not available for Masters Students Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Very happy. While my goal is still to go to a PhD program at least I have a backup plan now!!
  • Institution: University of Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Not now, but I am being considered Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: Not Yet
  • Institution: Purdue Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: TBD Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: Email and Postal Posted on GC:Not Yet
  • Institution: Arizona Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Details will come within the week Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comments: Now I have an excuse to fly to Arizona for a few days
  • Institution: Michigan Economics MAE Decision: Admitted Notification date: 4/1 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Funding: No Idea Comments: Baring some amazing funding package or unreal placements, I'm pretty sure I'm going to decline, but the email said to wait a week before responding because they are going to be so busy.
  • Institution: U of Toronto Masters Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Can apply for a TA in July Notification date: 4/6 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes Comment: Will decline
  • Institution: UBC Masters Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No Details at all, but I think I will get some Notification date: 4/13/10 Notified through: Email and Postal to follow within 24 hours Comments: Will Decline,
Rejects:
    Rejections: Duke, Maryland, Penn State, Vanderbilt and Indiana, Masters
  • Institution: Duke Econ Decision: Rejected Funding: - Notification date: 02/16/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) yes
  • Institution: Duke Economics, PhD Decision: Rejection Notification date: 2-16-2010 Notified through: Email to Link Posted on GF: Yes Comments: So happy that TM is back
  • Institution: Duke Economics, PhD Decision: Rejection Notification date: 2-16-2010 Notified through: Email to Link Posted on GF: Yes Comments: So happy that TM is back
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: No Notification date: 3/10/201 Notified through:Email Posted on GC:Not Yet
  • Institution: Tufts Masters Decision: Rejected Funding: No Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through:Personal e-mail Posted on GC:Not Yet Sorry I took so long to post these. I was out of the country with no internet all week.
  • Institution:Vanderbilt Phd Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/30 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Funding: ... Comments: Very Upset
  • Institution: Indiana Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/31 Notified through: Email Response to an inquiry Posted on GF: Yes Funding: - Comments: Looking more and more like Arizona
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: Boston College (Decent Chance of
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 2-28-2010 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: Said I will remain waitlisted until at least April 15th when more spots could become available. It was sent really late on sunday night as well.
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 2-28-2010 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: Yes Comments: Said I will remain waitlisted until at least April 15th when more spots could become available. It was sent really late on sunday night as well.

takethemoneyandrun 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Mid-ranked liberal arts college
Undergrad GPA: 3.7/4.0
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 770Q/700V/5.5AWA
Math Courses: Calc I-III (A/B/A-), Linear Algebra (A-), Probability Theory (B+), Mathematical Statistics (B+), ODEs (A-), PDEs (A), Advanced Calculus (A), Real Analysis (A), Topology (IP), Complex Analysis (IP)
Econ Courses : Intermediate Micro (B+), Intermediate Macro (A-), Intro to Econometrics (B), Labor Economics (A), Senior honors thesis (A)
Other courses: Nothing of value
Letters of Recommendation: Three econ professors (PhDs from top 30 programs) who advised me on research papers that turned out pretty well and one statistics professor with whom I did summer research. They are all very nice, helpful people and I get along well with them.
Research Experience: Two econ term papers and a senior honors thesis that I am proud of; one co-authored statistics publication based on summer research.
Teaching Experience: TA for 2 sections of introductory statistics and 2 sections of introductory economics.
Research Interests: Economics of labor, health, aging, and education.
Statement of purpose: I made it clear that I want to become an academic economist, discussing my math preparation and research interests.
Concerns: Low GRE Q and limited undergrad econ background with very shaky grades.
RESULTS:
Acceptances: Virginia(wl-$), Texas(wl-$), Washington-Seattle($$), Indiana($$), UC-Davis($$), UC-Irvine($$), Rice($$), Colorado($0), Maryland AREC($$), Cornell AEM($0), Oregon($$)
Rejections: Brown, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, WUSTL
What would you have done differently? I would have applied to more schools in the 15-30 range. I didn't expect to be accepted to at least half of the programs that admitted me and was biased towards lower-ranked schools. I have heard this over and over, but it's worth repeating: The MC of sending out an additional application is extremely low; apply to any and every school that you think matches your research interests!
Accepts:
    Acceptances: Virginia(wl-$), Texas(wl-$), Washington-Seattle($$), Indiana($$), UC-Davis($$), UC-Irvine($$), Rice($$), Colorado($0), Maryland AREC($$), Cornell AEM($0), Oregon($$)
  • Institution:UC Davis Econ Decision: Accepted Funding: full tuition waiver + TAship Notification date: 8th Feb 2010 Notified through:email Posted on Gradcafe: Yes Date of Gradcafe post: 8th Feb 2010 Comments: I'm very grateful to have an offer from a school that I thought was out of my league.
  • Institution: Cornell Applied Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None available :( Notification date: 18 February 2010 Notified through: Email Posted on Gradcafe: (yes or no) No Comments: I'm honored, but I can't attend without funding.
  • Institution: University of Maryland AREC Decision: Accepted Funding: "Graduate Assistanship" with tuition remission + health insurance + 21k Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No word yet Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: No word yet Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments:
  • Institution: University of Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: $0 Notification date: 3/10/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I'm very surprised that I wasn't offered funding. It was probably due to my low GRE score.
  • Institution: UT-Austin Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: None "at this time" Notification date: 3/24/10 Notified through: Email Comments: I'm very happy, but shocked; I thought they were all done with offers.
Rejects:
    Rejections: Brown, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, WUSTL
  • Institution: Northwestern University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Fully expected
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Also expected, but this one really stings.
  • Institution: Northwestern University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Fully expected
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments: Also expected, but this one really stings.
  • Institution: Washington U. in St. Louis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 4/6 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comment: My last one
Waitlists:
  • Institution: Rice University Economics Decision: Waitlisted Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes Comments:

Mpianatra 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 20 econ program
Undergrad GPA: 3.56/4
Type of Grad: MS in same major/university
Grad GPA: none at time of application
GRE: 780/580/5.5
Math Courses: Calc I/II (A-), Real Analysis (in progress during app), Calc III (A+), Linear Algebra (A), Ord. Diff. Eq. (A) [last three courses taken as non-degree student at state school w/o econ phd]
Econ Courses: Intro Micro/Macro (A), Inter Micro (B+), Inter Macro (A), Labor Economics (B), Income Distribution (A), Developing Country Labor Markets (A-), Applied Econometrics (A-), Econ Dev't (A-), Public Finance (A-), Economic Data (B), Grad Micro Theory I (in progress), Grad Econ of Education (in progress)
Other Courses: Intro Stats (A-)
Letters of Recommendation: Thesis Adviser- known for a long time (pretty strong), Second Thesis Adviser-mostly knew from a course (positive but probably pretty generic), RA prof (also probably pretty generic)
Research Experience: Master's thesis but hadn't done much for it at time of application
Teaching Experience: Just short of teaching credential
Research Interests: Development, Political Economy, Labor
SOP: Nothing special. Run of the mill about why I like econ, why I was qualified, and why I liked the school.
Other:
RESULTS:
Acceptances: American ($?), BU (no $), CUNY (Fellowship), Fordham ($?), Colorado ($$$), UI-Chicago ($?), Washington (no $), Wisconsin ($$)
Waitlists: BC
Rejections: Columbia, Duke, Emory, Georgetown, George Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, NYU, Northwestern, UCLA, Maryland, UNC, Notre Dame, USC, Texas,
Attending: Wisconsin
What would you have done differently?
What I wouldn't have done differently was apply to so many schools. I had a lot of reach schools on my list and all it takes is one of them to accept you. Some rejections from very lowly-ranked schools with some acceptances from relatively high-ranked so it can be hard to predict. Obviously getting better grades would always help but I'm very satisfied with the overall results.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: American ($?), BU (no $), CUNY (Fellowship), Fordham ($?), Colorado ($$$), UI-Chicago ($?), Washington (no $), Wisconsin ($$)
  • Institution: UIllinois-Chicago Decision: Accepted Funding: will hear in March Notification date: 2/10 Notified through: Postal Service Posted on GF: yes Comments: At least I got one in the bag
  • Institution: Wisconsin-Madison Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition waiver + $12.5K TAship 1st year, something guaranteed for 3 more years Notification date: 2/27 Notified through: Email + More info by mail Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: Anyone else accepted know if they reimburse for flyout?
  • Institution: CUNY Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: "Short list" for an 18k fellowship Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Likely will withdraw due to better offer.
  • Institution: Fordham University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email Comment: I hadn't researched the program well. Just picked it b/c it's in NYC.
  • Institution: Wisconsin-Madison Economics PhD Decision: Accepted Funding: Tuition waiver + $12.5K TAship 1st year, something guaranteed for 3 more years Notification date: 2/27 Notified through: Email + More info by mail Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: Anyone else accepted know if they reimburse for flyout?
  • Institution: CUNY Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: "Short list" for an 18k fellowship Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: Likely will withdraw due to better offer.
  • Institution: Fordham University Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email Comment: I hadn't researched the program well. Just picked it b/c it's in NYC.
  • Institution: UC-Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: ~15k TA, 5k Fellowship Notification date: 03/09/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment:
  • Institution: BU Phd Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/29 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Funding: $0 Comments: Out at GWU and in at BU? This is a weird process.
  • Institution: U of Washington Economics Decision: Accepted Notification date: 3/30 Notified through: email Posted on GF: no Funding: no Comments:
Rejects:
    Rejections: Columbia, Duke, Emory, Georgetown, George Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, NYU, Northwestern, UCLA, Maryland, UNC, Notre Dame, USC, Texas,
  • Institution: Duke Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 2/17 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GF: no Comments:
  • Institution: Minnesota Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: no Comments:
  • Institution: Northwestern University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: No Comments: Oh well...
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: Columbia University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/04/2010 Notified through: Email to check website Comment: No surprise there.
  • Institution: Minnesota Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: no Comments:
  • Institution: Northwestern University Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: No Comments: Oh well...
  • Institution: University of Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: Notre Dame Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: E-mail to check Website Posted on GC: no Comments:
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/11/2010 Notified through: Email to Check Website Posted on GC: no Comments:
  • Institution: Emory University Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GC: no Comments: got an early interview so this surprised me a bit
  • Institution: NYU Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 03/12/2010 Notified through: email response from Marjorie Lesser Comments: zero surprise but still a bummer
  • Institution: UCLA Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: Mar 15 Notified through: Postal Service Funding: N/A Posted on GF: no Comments:
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/20/10 Notified through: E-mail to Check Website Posted on GC: No Comments: C'est la vie.
  • Institution: George Washington Phd Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/27 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GF: No Funding: n/a Comments: Seriously? Definitely didn't expect this.
  • Institution: University of Texas Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 04/05/2010 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GC: No Comment:
Waitlists:
    Waitlists: BC
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 12:30am ET 3/1 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: Not sure if I'll put my name on the list or not...
  • Institution: Boston College Economics PhD Decision: Waitlisted Funding: Waitlisted Notification date: 12:30am ET 3/1 Notified through: Email Posted on grad cafe: No Comments: Not sure if I'll put my name on the list or not...

walt526 2010: PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: B.A. Political Science from UC Davis (started at a well-regarded LAC in the Midwest)
Undergrad GPA: 3.50/4.00 (combined)
Type of Grad: MA in Economics from lower-tier public university
Grad GPA: 3.92
GRE: 800Q, 600V, 6.0AWA
Math Courses: Calculus I-III (high school with AP, plus C from Fall 1998), Linear Algebra (A), Intro to Statistics (A), Math for Economists (A), Intro to Formal Math (A-), Numerical Analysis (A), Axiomatic Set Theory (B+), Real Analysis (in process), Mathematical Statistics MA-Level (in process), Operations Research (Spring 2010), Applied Linear Algebra (Spring 2010)
Econ Courses (MA-level): Advanced Micro Theory (A-), Advanced Macro Theory (A), US Economic History (A), Cost-Benefit Analysis (A), Applied Econometric Analysis (in process), Econometric Theory (in process)
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro to Economics (B+ from spring 2000), Intermediate Micro (A+), Intermediate Macro (D), Public Microeconomic Theory (A+), Economics of Development (A-), US Economic History (A-), World Economic History (A), Economics of Education (A), Econometrics (A), History of Economic Thought (Spring 2010)
Political Science Courses:
- High School: AP American Government, AP Comparative Government
- LAC: International Relations (A-), American Political Thought (B+), Central European Politics (A), Russian Politics (A-), Soviet and Russian Foreign Policy (A)
- UC Davis: Systematic Political Science (A-), The Legislative Process (A-), The Politics of Interdependence (A-), National Security Policy (A), Intro to Judicial Politics (A), Judicial Politics: First Amendment (A), Judicial Politics: Equality (A-), Seminar in American Political Behavior (A+)
Letters of Recommendation: 3 econ professors (1 WUSTL, 1 UC Davis ARE, 1 Stanford)
Research Experience:
- Research assistant to LAC political science professor (developing new course in environmental international politics)
- Research assistant to UC Davis political science professor (judicial politics--read a sample Supreme Court decisions and classified the argument type of each paragraph)
- Masters Thesis: Does State Support for Public Four-Year Universities Decrease as Minority Enrollment Increases?
Teaching Experience: TA to Intermediate Micro
Research Interests: My research interests lie along the intersection of political science and economics. I am interested in Public Choice (Law and Economics and Institutional Factors), Industrial Organization, and Miscellaneous Applied Microecomics
Statement of Purpose: Should be strong
Concerns: The D in Intermediate Macro came in a semester wherein I received incompletes in my other courses (personal issues) in winter quarter of 2004). I completed the two lower-division courses that I needed to fulfill the BA in Political Science at community college (statistics and history of western civilization). No topology, possibly weak advanced math grades.
Other: Have a career certificate in Accounting from a community college, worked for 2 years as an accounting administrator and 3 years as a purchasing agent for an electrical contractor.
Applying to: UC Berkeley, Northwestern, Stanford, Michigan, UPenn Wharton (Applied Econ), WUSTL, Caltech, Carnegie Mellon, Johns Hopkins, Texas, UIUC, Maryland, Virginia, UC Davis, George Mason, Vanderbilt, Rochester, Michigan State, Georgetown, UC Irvine, UMass-Amherst, Arizona, Colorado, Syracuse, Kentucky (might whittle down the list some)
Accepts:
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics/Economics of Education Decision: Accepted ($$$) Notification date: 2/21/10 Notified through: Personal email from co-directors of the Economics of Education program (have not heard officially from Economics Department yet) Posted on GF: No. Comments: I am beyond delighted. MSU is a perfect fit for my interests and the funding (mostly coming from a US Department of Education grant) is unrivaled by pretty much any place other than Yale. Hoping to attend a flyout sometime in March.
  • Institution: UC Irvine Economics-Public Choice Decision: Acceptance ($$) Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I'll probably decline in favor of the Michigan State offer. But UC Irvine is a great place for public choice (and Southern CA is a nicer place to spend 4-5 years than Central MI).
  • Institution: Michigan State University Economics/Economics of Education Decision: Accepted ($$$) Notification date: 2/21/10 Notified through: Personal email from co-directors of the Economics of Education program (have not heard officially from Economics Department yet) Posted on GF: No. Comments: I am beyond delighted. MSU is a perfect fit for my interests and the funding (mostly coming from a US Department of Education grant) is unrivaled by pretty much any place other than Yale. Hoping to attend a flyout sometime in March.
  • Institution: UC Irvine Economics-Public Choice Decision: Acceptance ($$) Notification date: 2/26 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I'll probably decline in favor of the Michigan State offer. But UC Irvine is a great place for public choice (and Southern CA is a nicer place to spend 4-5 years than Central MI).
  • Institution: University of Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted ($$) Notification date: 3/10/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No. Comments: One of my safeties, I will most likely decline in favor of MSU.
  • Institution: U Arizona Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No first year funding Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: I don't see an unfunded offer from U Arizona as worth considering. And I'd probably prefer MSU or UCI to U Arizona even if it the latter were funded.
Rejects:
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 2/16 Notified Through: Email Posted on Grad Cafe: No Comment: First official response, so I'm a little disappointed--not exactly surprising, as I figured that I was a long-shot. My wife really didn't want to live in North Carolina, so she'll be relieved.
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 2/16/10 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GF: No Comments: Disappointed, but not surprised. I knew if was a reach.
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 2/25/10 Notified through: Website (did not receive an email to check) Posted on GF: No. Comments: Not surprised, but disappointed.
  • Institution: Rochester Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: I am aware that this may sound like sour grapes, but I only applied there because the application was free. My interest in the school was pretty minimal (I prefer MSU to Rochester).
  • Institution: U Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No. Comment: This one stings a little, but not entirely unexpected.
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Reject Funding: Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Of all the rejects so far, this was the toughest--even though it was anticipated.
  • Institution: UC Davis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: No Comments: If it weren't for geography, then I probably wouldn't have even applied to UC Davis. But I'm still a little surprised and annoyed, considering it was my alma mater.
  • Institution: Duke Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 2/16/10 Notified through: Email to check website Posted on GF: No Comments: Disappointed, but not surprised. I knew if was a reach.
  • Institution: Northwestern Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 2/25/10 Notified through: Website (did not receive an email to check) Posted on GF: No. Comments: Not surprised, but disappointed.
  • Institution: Rochester Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 3/1 Notified through: E-mail Posted on GF: No Comments: I am aware that this may sound like sour grapes, but I only applied there because the application was free. My interest in the school was pretty minimal (I prefer MSU to Rochester).
  • Institution: U Michigan Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No. Comment: This one stings a little, but not entirely unexpected.
  • Institution: UC Berkeley Economics, PhD Decision: Reject Funding: Notification date: 03/02/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Of all the rejects so far, this was the toughest--even though it was anticipated.
  • Institution: UC Davis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: Website Posted on GF: No Comments: If it weren't for geography, then I probably wouldn't have even applied to UC Davis. But I'm still a little surprised and annoyed, considering it was my alma mater.
  • Institution: Stanford Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10/10 Notified through: Postal Mail Posted on GC: No Comment: As expected.
  • Institution: Johns Hopkins Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/12/2010 Notified through: email Comments: As expected. Only surprised that it took them this long.
  • Institution: George Mason Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/15/10 Notified through: Postal letter. Comments: A little surprised that I didn't get at least a non-funded offer, but oh well. This was a school that I was on the fence about applying to. I prefer all three of my other offers to GMU anyway.
  • Institution: U Illinois-Urbana Phd Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/17/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: Disappointed, but not surprised. MSU is looking more and more likely.
  • Institution: Caltech Social Science Decision: Reject Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Assumed rejection about a month ago.
  • Institution: Wharton (U Pennsylvania) Applied Economics Decision: Reject Notification date: 03/19/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: Not surprised, pretty much knew that this was a non-starter. Only applied because it looked interesting and thought that a business school might look at my application a little differently than traditional Economics departments.
  • Institution: U Maryland Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/20/10 Notified through: E-mail to Check Website Posted on GC: No Comments: Assumed as much over a week ago.
  • Institution: U Virginia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/22/10 Notified through: Randomly checked the website Posted on GC: No Comments: Not really surprised given that I hadn't heard anything for so long.
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/25/10 Notified through: Email Comments: Only surprised that it took them this long...
  • Institution: U Texas-Austin Economics Decision: Rejection Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/25/10 Notified through: Email Comments:
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: 03/29/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: No Comments: This was one of the schools that I was considering withdrawing my application from. Like Rochester, I might not have applied had there been an application fee (also their L&E made them a better fit). But alas, unfortunately they didn't receive my UCD transcripts, so I had to resend them rush back in early February for ~$50 (a few days before I had heard from MSU), so it's almost like I did have to pay a fee... but I digress.
  • Institution: Washington U - St Louis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: n/a Notification date: 04/05/2010 Notified through: Mass Email Posted on GC: No Comment: Glad to finally know definitively that my choices are between MSU and UCI, but still a little disappointed. When I went back to earn my MA two years ago, I did so in the hopes of winding up at WUSTL. But I think how my interests have evolved over the past two years as well as a better sense of what type of environment I need to be successful, MSU is probably a better fit even if WUSTL's placements are better.
Waitlists:

Saksalainen 2010:
Institution: Uppsala
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Notification date: Mar 9
Notified through: postal
Funding: ^^
Comments: "highly qualified applicants... budgetary reasons... sorry"
Accepts:
  • Institution: U Colorado - Boulder Economics Decision: accepted Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes. Comment: no money, no honey. sad.
  • Institution: U Washington - Seattle Economics Decision: accepted Funding: waitlisted Notification date: 3/10/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: Yes. Comment: maybe money, maybe honey.
  • Institution: GW Decision: Admit Funding: ?? Notification date: 3/26/10 Notified through: checked website Comments: funding to follow Rejected from: UCLA, UCSD, NYU, WUSTL, BC, UNC, DUKE, BROWN, JHU
  • Institution: University Maryland AREC Decision: Accepted Notification date: 4/6/10 Notified through: email Posted on GC: No Comment: funding offer after being admitted two weeks ago. 21K graduate assistantship.
Rejects:
  • Institution: Uppsala Economics Decision: Rejected Notification date: Mar 9 Notified through: postal Funding: ^^ Comments: "highly qualified applicants... budgetary reasons... sorry"
Waitlists:

HopefulFutureEcon 2010:
Institution: University of Colorado-Boulder
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Accepted
Funding: waitlist
Notification date: 3/10/10
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments: I just missed the cut-off for funding, but do have an outside shot. I hear they use a combination of GRE scores (verbal and Q) for funding.
Institution: Berkeley
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 3/2/10
Notified through: Email/then website a few days later
Posted on GF: No
Comments:meh.....
Institution: UC-Davis
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 3/3/10
Notified through: Email/Website
Posted on GF: No
Comments:meh.....so much for Econ History there.
Institution: Pitt
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 3/9/10
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments:meh...program not really compatible with my research interests so no worries
Institution: Maryland
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date:
Notified through: the fact they sent out all their offers and their grad coordinator confirmed it
Posted on GF: No
Comments: meh....
Accepts:
  • Institution: University of Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Accepted Funding: waitlist Notification date: 3/10/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I just missed the cut-off for funding, but do have an outside shot. I hear they use a combination of GRE scores (verbal and Q) for funding.
Rejects:
  • Institution: Berkeley Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/2/10 Notified through: Email/then website a few days later Posted on GF: No Comments:meh.....
  • Institution: UC-Davis Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/3/10 Notified through: Email/Website Posted on GF: No Comments:meh.....so much for Econ History there.
  • Institution: Pitt Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 3/9/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:meh...program not really compatible with my research interests so no worries
  • Institution: Maryland Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: Notified through: the fact they sent out all their offers and their grad coordinator confirmed it Posted on GF: No Comments: meh....
Waitlists:


Rejections:

wajihc 2010:
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: Top 20 National University
Undergrad GPA: Below 3.0 with double majors in ECON & PSCI
Type of Grad: Northeastern University
Grad GPA: 3.5
GRE: 770 Q, 520 V
Math Courses: Calc I, II (B+), III (B+); Math & Stats for Economists (A-), Differential Equations (audited)
Grad Econ Courses: Micro (B), Macro (A), IO (B-), Ph.D. level Econometrics (A-), US Economic History (A)
Ugrad Econ Courses: Intermediate Microeconomics (F then B), Intermediate Macroeconomics (B-), Intro to Stats (A), US Economic History Seminar (B), International Trade (C+)
Other Courses:
Letters: Ugrad Professor with Ph.D. from Iowa, Associate Professor in Ph.D.
econometrics with Ph.D. from Indiana, Grad Professor in econometrics with Ph.D.
from UC Berkeley
Research: Ph.D. econometrics course paper on sources of multifactor productivity
Teaching: None
Research Interests: Economic growth and development
SOP: Discussed my journey to get to economics, what I'm doing to augment
my math skills, and personal motivation from ethnic background
RESULTS:
Acceptances: NC State (no $), GWU (no $), American (no $), CUNY (no $)
Waitlists:
Rejections: Indiana, Iowa State, CO-Boulder, Syracuse, Notre Dame, FL Int'l, Brandeis
Pending:
What would you have done differently?
If I were to do ugrad all over, I would have minored in math and accounting, and gotten better grades in undergrad. Assuming my ugrad mistakes, in grad school, I would have taken Real Analysis.
Final call: I deferred NC State, GWU, American, and CUNY. I got tired of being a broker in NYC, and will start at American this coming January.
Accepts:
    Acceptances: NC State (no $), GWU (no $), American (no $), CUNY (no $)
Rejects:
    Rejections: Indiana, Iowa State, CO-Boulder, Syracuse, Notre Dame, FL Int'l, Brandeis
Waitlists:
    Waitlists:

unsueno0414 2010:
Institution: UCSC
Program: International Economics Phd
Decision: Accepted
Notification date: 2/24/2010
Notified through: e-mail
Posted on GF: no
Comments: funding!
Accepts:
  • Institution: UCSC International Economics Phd Decision: Accepted Notification date: 2/24/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GF: no Comments: funding!
  • Institution: UCSC International Economics Phd Decision: Accepted Notification date: 2/24/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GF: no Comments: funding!
Rejects:
  • Institution:University of Colorado at Boulder Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Notification date: 3/9/2010 Notified through: e-mail Posted on GF: no Comments:
Waitlists:

Tommie Hopeful 2010:
Institution: University Wisconsin - APEC
Program: Masters in Applied Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/25
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments:
Institution: Vanderbilt
Program: PhD Economics
Decision: Rejected
Funding: N/A
Notification date: 2/20
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments:
Institution: University of Minnesota - APEC
Program: Masters in Applied Economics
Decision: Admit
Funding: No Decision
Notification date: 3/3
Notified through: Email
Posted on GF: No
Comments: I go to school down the street.
Accepts:
  • Institution: University of Minnesota - APEC Masters in Applied Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No Decision Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I go to school down the street.
  • Institution: University of Minnesota - APEC Masters in Applied Economics Decision: Admit Funding: No Decision Notification date: 3/3 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments: I go to school down the street.
Rejects:
  • Institution: University Wisconsin - APEC Masters in Applied Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/25 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: Vanderbilt Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 2/20 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comments:
  • Institution: University of Pittsburgh Econ Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notified through: E-mail Date: 3/8
  • Institution: Colorado-Boulder Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/09/10 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment: Disappointing
  • Institution: Western Ontario MA/Ph. D. Stream Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: 03/10/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GF: No Comment: This week is the worst.
  • Institution: Penn State Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: NA Notification date: 3/12/2010 Notified through: Email Posted on GC: Yes.
  • Institutions: University of Virginia Economics Decision: Rejected Funding: N/A Notification date: 03/03/2010 Notified through: E-mail
Waitlists:


Waitlists:
Admit summary statistics:
As submitted and recoreded from Test Magic:
There were 7 accepted out of 10 applicants.Of those accepted, average GPA was 3.62, average GREQ was 776.0.
No link to department posted statistics has been added, please let me know if these exist and I will add them.

Links:
Test Magic Econ Forums
econphd.econwiki.com
Last Updated: 14:57:55, Fri May 11, 2012